Richard Crow

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

William Richard (Butch) Crow of Asbury, MO passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2022, surrounded by loved ones.

Richard (age 80) born April 3, 1942, in Abilene, TX, was the son of the late William Richard Crow, Sr., and Opal Bannister. The family moved to Asbury, Mo in 1951. 

Richard graduated from Carl Junction High School in 1960. He earned his associate degree from Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College and went on to Oklahoma State University to earn a double major in Entomology and Agronomy in 1964; he then received his Master’s in Entomology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. 

After graduation, Richard was drafted into the Army. Before he finished basic training, he received a direct commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was in Vietnam from 1967-1968 as a Medical Field Service Officer and achieved the rank of Captain. He then was stationed in San Antonio until he was honorably discharged in 1970.

Richard married Edith Carol Walker on Dec. 8, 1968, in Columbia, MO, and then moved to Asbury to help his dad farm. They attended the Church of Christ in Joplin and then the Christian Church of CJ. He worked his whole life in Agriculture, including cattle, hay, and row crop. There was nothing he could not build, weld, or fix. He always knew how to fix things and worked on his own equipment. He usually knew how to get the job done! He gardened with a passion and shared that passion with his kids. He built endless projects from equipment to woodworking. He built garden boxes, a playhouse, and the family house (and home). If he needed it, he could build it.

He worked for Eagle Picher for a while and EVERY day complained about having to go, but farming was taking a hit and it was necessary for the extra income. Working 40 hours a week was much harder than farming 14-16 hours a day.

No matter the topic Richard could express his side of the story and share his point of view. His point of view may not have been initially accepted, but generally, he was convincing.

He was active in many organizations including Carl Junction School Board, Jasper County Cattleman’s Association (president), and the Masonic Lodge. In 1966 he was awarded membership in the Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society of Agriculture. In 1986 he was awarded the state achievement award for Jasper County from the Chamber of Commerce of greater KC and the University of Missouri.

Richard loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He loved to laugh and got a kick out of playing practical jokes. He made sure to give his opinion where needed and gave good advice.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 sister Darla Ann Crow. Richard is survived by his wife Carol, of 53 years, his three children, son James (Brandy) Crow, daughter, Kristi (Darrin) Brown of Delphi, IN, son Jon Crow, Waco, MO, and seven grandchildren Quenton (Zoey) Crow, Mackenzie Crow, Elijah Brown, Samantha Brown, Kaitlyn Brown, Faith Crow, Kaylee Crow, one sister Linda Miller of Seneca, Mo., and two nieces Aly (Dick) Savage of Florida, and Patty Drake of Arizona.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to be made to the Carl Junction FFA Alumni & Supporters in care of the mortuary.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at the Carl Junction Christian Church. Burial will follow at Carl Junction Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the mortuary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.